The Real Value in Data Lies in Understanding the Why

What inspired your journey into academia and led you to become an MBA faculty member?

I come from a family of professors and teachers, so in a way, I suppose teaching was my destiny! Honestly, I’ve always enjoyed learning new things — a trait that’s essential in our profession — and sharing that knowledge with students. My father, a retired professor, found so much joy in teaching, and watching him was a major source of inspiration for me.

As for becoming an MBA faculty member, I think my interest in the various real-world applications of statistics naturally led me down this path.

What drew you to specialise in your field of management, and how has the field evolved over the years?

I began my academic journey as a mathematics honours student, drawn to the logic, structure and beauty of maths as a language. Over time, my interest gradually shifted towards statistics, especially after taking it as an elective during my school and college years. What really sparked my passion, though, was the realisation that statistics — and later data science — offered a powerful way to make sense of the world around us.

A fun and early inspiration came from watching Star Trek. I was always fascinated by how the science officers on the ship would analyse data, discuss their findings and make decisions based on logic and evidence. That curiosity stayed with me and grew into a deeper desire to understand how data can be used to support reasoning and discovery.

Today, we live in a world that is increasingly driven by data. Everything from business strategy and healthcare to social media and public policy relies on our ability to collect, analyse and interpret information effectively. The field of data science has evolved rapidly, integrating computing, machine learning and real-time analytics with traditional statistical thinking. What excites me most is how this discipline continues to expand and influence decision-making in nearly every area of life.

You have been part of four premier universities/colleges across three countries throughout your academic career (as a student or professor). Did you find any differences between these foreign universities and those in our country?

I’ve had the opportunity to study at St Xavier’s College in Kolkata, IIT Kanpur, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the University of Birmingham in the UK. Each place taught me something unique, and I’ve tried to carry those lessons with me throughout my academic journey.

At St Xavier’s, I learned the importance of discipline and structure — it built a strong foundation, both academically and personally. IIT Kanpur and NUS challenged me to push my limits. They showed me what it truly means to work hard and stay committed to a goal, even when things get difficult. The University of Birmingham, where I did my PhD, played a big role in shaping the way I teach — it taught me how to make learning more student-centred and how to think from a teacher’s perspective.

One thing I’ve come to realise through these experiences is that undergraduate education is often a necessity — it gives you a base. But postgraduate study is a choice, and it requires a different kind of motivation. No one forces you to do it; you do it because you want to go deeper. That mindset shift is important.

In terms of differences, I’d say the structure and support systems in foreign universities often place more emphasis on independent learning, critical thinking and application. But I also believe we have brilliant minds and strong academic traditions here in India. What really matters, in the end, is the attitude you bring to learning —regardless of where you are.

Can you share a key concept or idea in your subject area that you believe every MBA student must understand deeply?

Statistics and data science are more important today than ever before. As we move deeper into the data-driven era, we are surrounded by vast amounts of information being collected every second. But data alone is not useful unless we know how to interpret it. These subjects equip us with the tools to understand uncertainty, recognise patterns and make informed decisions. However, it’s essential for students to realise that this field is not just about number-crunching or writing long pieces of code. The real value lies in understanding what you’re looking for in the data, why it matters and how to make sense of it.

How do you incorporate real-world business challenges or trends into your teaching methodology?

I try to keep up with what’s happening in business and use similar examples in class. This helps students see how what they learn can be applied in real life. It also makes the lessons more interesting.

What common misconceptions do students usually have about your subject, and how do you address them?

A common misconception about statistics and data science is that they are only suited for students who are excellent at coding or have advanced mathematical abilities. This isn’t true at all.

While technical skills are part of the toolkit, the core of both subjects lies in conceptual understanding. It’s far more important to understand the why and how behind the analysis than to simply execute computations blindly. Without a clear grasp of the underlying concepts, even the most advanced code or mathematical formulas would not produce meaningful insights.

I encourage my students to actively participate in problem-solving during class. I invite them to come to the board, share their ideas and present their own approaches to solving problems. This not only builds confidence but also fosters collaborative learning and critical thinking. Since using specialised software is an essential part of this subject, I also motivate students to write code on their own and explore different coding approaches outside of class. For group assignments, I encourage independent research and hands-on practice so they can deepen their understanding and develop practical skills.

What message or piece of advice would you like to share with current and aspiring MBA students?

Reading is one of the most valuable habits you can develop. I always recommend that students make time each day to read something — anything — that genuinely interests them. It doesn’t have to be related to business. In fact, I encourage reading outside the business world — whether it’s history, literature, art, science or philosophy. These kinds of readings broaden your perspective, fuel creativity and offer a mental break from the fast pace of business life.

Reading beyond your field not only keeps your mind fresh but also helps prevent burnout. It’s often these unrelated subjects that offer the deepest insights and help you stay curious, balanced and energised over the long run. 

 

The real value lies in understanding what you’re looking for in the data, why it matters and how to make sense of it

 

A common misconception is that statistics and data science are only for those with excellent coding or advanced mathematical abilities. This isn’t true